The Blackbird Academy Foundation Series: Everything You Need to Know About the Fundamentals of Audio Production and Engineering

The first titles now available at Groove3.com.

By Music Marcom
, Jun 22, 2016

The first titles now available at Groove3.com

MONTCLAIR, N.J. - Advances in technology and the wide availability of affordable recording software and gear have made it possible for everyone to record and produce their own music, audiobooks, voiceovers, and any other audio projects. Achieving a professional sound, however, requires a firm grasp of the fundamentals of audio production and sound reproduction.

The series is the first to be launched under Pensado's Strive, an innovative multi-format educational initiative developed by Penwick Media, creators of Pensado's Place, the acclaimed weekly educational web series, and Hal Leonard, the leading publisher of books and digital content on the music business, audio technology, and related content. The series' high-quality instructional videos and tutorials were written and filmed using the gear and workflow at Blackbird Studio, a world-renowned recording facility in Nashville where artists such as Taylor Swift, Martina McBride, Kings of Leon, John Mayer, Keith Urban, Kelly Clarkson, Bruce Springsteen, Snoop Dogg, and countless others have recorded.

"Our mission for The Blackbird Academy/The Blackbird Academy Foundation Series is to advance the quality of audio education through a professional training curriculum," said John McBride, Owner/President of Blackbird Studio and The Blackbird Academy. "Thanks to the cooperation with our partners at Hal Leonard, the Pensado Team, and Groove3, it's now possible for young musicians, aspiring engineers and producers worldwide to benefit from this level of first-class audio education. No matter what their experience, no matter where they live, this program can be a great first step in starting a life-long career."

Each video in the series is an easy-to-digest tutorial led by Kevin Becka, Co-Director/Instructor at The Blackbird Academy. An experienced musician and recording engineer, Becka designed the course for anyone aspiring to learn about audio engineering and sound production, whether they are working in a home studio or aspire to work in a professional environment. The courses are designed for anyone wishing to record audio - musicians, composers, producers, songwriters, remixers, audiobook creators, voiceover artists, and singers who wish to gain more professional results when recording, overdubbing and mixing their production.

The Blackbird Academy Foundation Series will teach operational skills and understanding of basic to advanced recording concepts including:

Signal flow

Critical listening

Using a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW)

Console basics and operation

Microphone choices and advanced placement

Using plugins and analog processors

Understanding digital conversion

Developing skills such as mixing, editing, and processing

Using shortcuts to build speed

And much more!

Overview and introduction to The Blackbird Academy Foundation Series

The Blackbird Academy Foundation Series gives viewers a rare look inside Blackbird Studio and its treasure trove of both modern digital and vintage analog equipment. Viewers can access an impressive range of valuable information only known in the inner circles of production in the heart of Music City USA.

Availability

The first five courses of The Blackbird Academy Foundation Series' 17 titles are now available on Groove3.com. The 30-Day pass is $15, the One-Year Pass is $150. Both passes give access to the entire course offering at Groove3.com. Learn more about the Series here!

About the instructor/author:

Kevin Becka has been a recording engineer for over 25 years, working with the top names in music including Kenny G., Quincy Jones, Michael Bolton, George Benson, George Lynch, and more. An experienced educator, Kevin is currently the co-director and instructor at The Blackbird Academy in Nashville. He has also taught advanced recording at Belmont University, taught surround recording and lectured at the Danish Rhythmic Music Conservatory in Copenhagen and was director of education and instructor at The Conservatory of Recording Arts & Sciences for ten years. Kevin is also an audio journalist who has worked as the editor of Pro Audio Review and Audio Media USA magazines. Since 2003, Kevin has been the technical editor of the industry-leading Mix Magazine where he writes features, product reviews, and a monthly column. Kevin is a voting member of The National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (NARAS), the Country Music Association (CMA), and is a member of the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP).